Giving until it heals: Wednesday's Cit Pat had a story about efforts to convince citizens of Jackson to give charitable donations to the hospital formerly known as Foote.

"Donations could be used to help the uninsured or the underinsured," the story says.

Every time I went to Foote Hospital for medical services (sorry, bashers, I have nothing but good to say about my care), I always receive a statement from my insurance company. These statements always say I saved hundreds or thousands of dollars, sometimes more than half the original bill, because I don't pay the hospital's regular price. I pay a much lower rate negotiated with my insurance company.

Once I asked about this at a public meeting with hospital leaders. My question: Who pays the high "regular" prices? The answer: People who are uninsured but conscientious enough to pay their bills.

In other words, the people we assume need help most are charged the most. This is not a good start if the hospital hopes to nurture a spirit of charity.

Allegiance should devise a system to bill uninsured patients more reasonable prices before expecting donors to pick up the tab. Even charging the highest rate negotiated with any insurance company would be a huge symbolic step in the right direction.

When that happens, I will cut my check.

What to expect in tomorrow's column: What it feels like to be crammed.